“The New Year has begun, and some of the planning from last year is becoming reality. Included in the Today leaflet is a handout reminding everyone that the 5 o’clock service begins next week. A lot of hard work has gone into this – posters prepared, radio interviews done, publicity biscuits baked, music and leading teams briefed, the format determined, et cetera, and we have prayed about it hard. Do invite friends and neighbours to come along.”

“During the Christmas season, we thought about the Syrian refugees, and our Christian Aid Rep, Ronnie King, put up a display in the Coffee shop and organised collections. I’m delighted that we have raised over £500 to send towards this worthy cause. Folk from St Mary’s, Creech Baptist Church, and Vineyard Church will be meeting soon to plan for further action to be taken which may include supporting the Syrian Christian family to come over here. Please pray about this.”

“Several folk have asked about the damage to the vicarage wall. This was caused by a DHL lorry reversing just before Christmas. Builders have been out to assess the damage and this will be an insurance claim.

Whilst dealing with this, I asked the diocesan surveyor about the plans for the new vicarage. He said that the plans had been approved and that the schedule necessary to put the work out to tender is being drawn up by the architect. He anticipates work beginning in July. This may be the last year to enjoy mulberries from the tree!

Also, this week, the stone path around the north side of the church has been sprayed and heat-treated to kill the algae that was making walking on it hazardous – particularly when wet. We are very pleased with the results and the barrier has been removed. The paths around the church, however, are uneven, so please take care. “

Every day of the week volunteer Chaplains help to meet the spiritual needs of our patients. On weekdays our volunteers visit patients on the wards, on Saturday mornings they assist with administration and on Sundays take Communion to the patient’s bedside or assist at the Chapel Service. Our next training course begins in early February.

For further information about each of these roles contact the Chaplains.